What does ECMO stand for?

How long has ECMO been in use?

ECMO has been around for decades. The first successful use of ECMO in an adult occurred in 1971. NYP/CUMC has had experience with ECMO since the 1980s.

What is the goal of ECMO?

The main goal of ECMO is to support the body – by delivering oxygen and removing excess carbon dioxide – when the lungs (or lungs and heart), are unable to do so. The ECMO machine acts as a temporary, artificial lung and takes over the work of the lungs (and the heart too, when necessary) so the patient can recover. ECMO may also be used for select patients awaiting a lung transplant, allowing them to be more mobile and maintain fitness and physical strength prior to transplant.

What medical conditions make someone eligible for ECMO?

The conditions we use ECMO for vary widely, but include severe pneumonia, severe forms of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe asthma (status asthmaticus), pulmonary hypertensive crisis, massive pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), and various forms of heart failure.

Who determines which patients are eligible for ECMO?

At NYP/CUMC, a dedicated team of ECMO clinicians including surgeons, critical care physicians, and nurse practitioners determine if a patient is eligible for ECMO. Each patient’s case is considered on an individual basis.

Who will take care of me while I’m on ECMO?

Every ECMO patient at NYP/CUMC is cared for by a multidisciplinary team that may include thoracic or cardiac surgeons, critical care physicians, perfusionists (experts in handling the ECMO machine), nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and physical and occupations therapists who have all been specially trained to care for ECMO patients.

Where does the ECMO procedure occur?

The surgical cannulation usually occurs at the patient’s bedside or in the operating room. Our surgeons can place a patient on ECMO at a referring hospital and provide safe transport back to NYP/CUMC if the patient is too sick to travel without ECMO.

How long does a patient remain on ECMO?

The length of time on ECMO varies significantly based on the type and severity of the underlying illness, as well as factors such as age and overall health status. On average a patient with an acute illness needs ECMO for 1 to 2 weeks.

Are there any other alternatives to ECMO?

ECMO is often considered a “rescue” or “salvage” method when other medical treatments have failed. ECMO is usually considered an option for support only when other potentially lifesaving options are not adequate or appropriate.

Are all hospitals capable of performing ECMO on patients?

No. ECMO support requires a multi-disciplinary team with specialized skills and experience. NYP/CUMC is one of the most experienced hospitals in the world and has a comprehensive, specialized program dedicated to supporting patients with ECMO.

What happens if I’m hospitalized at an institution that is not capable of providing ECMO?

The NYP/CUMC ECMO program transfers many patients from referring hospitals. When a referring hospital is treating a patient who might benefit from ECMO, the hospital can call our ECMO team at 1-800-NYP-STAT. The treating physician at the referring hospital and the ECMO team at NYP/CUMC discuss the best options for the patient.

Is ECMO safe?

ECMO is a potentially life-saving, yet complex procedure and is not without risk. When a patient is sick enough to require ECMO, often the potential benefits outweighs the risks. Our team is skilled at minimizing the risks of ECMO.

What sets apart NYP/CUMC from the other institutions that perform ECMO?

The NYP/CUMC ECMO program is one of the most experienced in the country. Our team has been awarded Center of Excellence designation by ELSO (the only national ECMO organization in the U.S.) since our program’s inception. We have published numerous scientific papers on our extensive experience with ECMO transport, as well as our innovative treatment methods and surgical approaches. We remain on the forefront of evolving ECMO techniques and technology, and our clinicians are asked to teach and speak about our ECMO experience throughout the world.

Can my family stay with me while I’m on ECMO?

Our intensive care unit has an open visitation policy – families can visit throughout much of the day and night, except during emergencies and when the nurses are changing shift. We encourage family and friends to visit their loved ones throughout their ICU stay.

Is ECMO a cure?

Many patients have been saved by ECMO when other treatments have failed, but ECMO is not a cure for the underlying illness. ECMO provides oxygen to the body until the lungs (or lungs and heart) recover. In other words, the goal of ECMO is to buy time by supporting the patient during the most critically-ill period.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

What if I don’t have health insurance?

At NYP we treat patients in need of ECMO regardless of insurance status, but for those without insurance, our social workers will work with you and your caregiver to help you obtain emergency Medicaid. In addition, there are payment plan options available.